Academic Course List

ClassID

Name

Description

Credits

BIOL 1000

Heredity and Society

Designed to introduce the student to the role of science, especially genetics, in seeking solutions to societal problems. Interdisciplinary in approach and does not require or assume any background in biology.

3

BIOL 1100

General Biology

For students who are not biology majors and who will not be required to take upper-level courses in biology. The course covers an introduction to cellular biochemistry, a survey of the Plant, Monera, Protista and Animal Kingdoms, and a study of the systems of the human body. The laboratory consists of selected exercises which complement the lecture material.

3

BIOL 1101

General Biology I

An introduction to the scientific method, a brief survey of the history of biology, an introduction to the physical and chemical properties of biological molecules, a survey of cellular structure and function, and an introduction to the basic principles of genetics.

4

BIOL 1201

General Biology II

A survey of the kingdoms of living organisms, an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the systems of the vertebrate body, an introduction to evolutionary theory and the evidence of evolution, and an introduction to the fundamental principles of ecology.

4

BIOL 1300

Molecules and Cell Function

An introduction to modern fundamental principles necessary for major training in the biological sciences. Basic physical and chemical properties of the major classes of biological molecules and their interactions and interrelationships with the organization and function of living cells are covered. This course cannot be used as an elective to satisfy requirements for a degree in biology.

4

BIOL 1610

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Prerequisite: BIOL 1300. An integrated, in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, including cells, tissues, integument, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and sense organs. This course cannot be used as an elective to satisfy requirements for a degree in biology.

4

BIOL 1620

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Prerequisite: BIOL 1610. A continuation of BIOL 1610 with special emphasis on cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, and reproductive systems and human development. This course cannot be used as an elective to satisfy requirements for a degree in biology.

3

BIOL 2020

Basic Neurobiology

Prerequisites BIOL 2200. A study of the fundamental principles of the neuron and a general description of the nervous system. Students will learn the basics of brain structure and function

3

BIOL 2030

Special Studies in Biology

Prerequisites and credit will depend on the topic covered. Specialized offerings that will provide majors, especially those in the first two years of study, and interested non-majors with opportunities for an introductory study of a single topic in biology. Topics may include selection and preparation for career opportunities in selected areas, exploration of a developing area of biology, or consideration of the political or social implications of an area of biology.

1 to 3

BIOL 2100

General Zoology

Prerequisite: BIOL 2200. An introduction to the general principles of zoology based on the study of selected representatives of the major animal phyla; including an elucidation of how the basic functions of life, e.g., digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, information processing and reproduction, are accomplished in each phylum.

4

BIOL 2105

Introduction to Computational Science and Informatics

An introduction to informatics, including data mining via the Internet, data warehousing, and skills required to present and publish data in an effective manner. The emerging area of bioinformatics and use of biological databases containing protein or nucleic acid sequences will be emphasized along with relevant software. The course also will familiarize students with construction and use of computational models to study problems of scientific interest. The necessary mathematical background as well as data acquisition, evaluation, management, and visualization/presentation methods will be covered. Students will design and complete their own computational projects using these skills.

3

BIOL 2200

Molecular Biology of Cells

Prerequisites: BIOL 1101 and BIOL 1201. The third course for biology majors and persons who will be taking upper- level courses in biology. An in-depth study of the structure of cells, the physiology of cells, and molecular biology designed to convey basic knowledge about cells that will be needed as background for upper-level biology courses.

4

BIOL 2400

General Botany

Prerequisite: BIOL 2200. An introduction to the distinguishing characteristics, morphogenesis, life processes, ecology, and economic value of selected representatives of the major plant groups.

4

BIOL 2600

Environmental Biology

Prerequisite: BIOL 2200. A consideration of the interplay between the whole living organism and the environment. Emphasis will be placed on those topics that concern humans. Their modification of the environment and the effects of that environment on humans, with development of the concept of human beings as biological organisms and a part of the living world.

4

BIOL 2700

Environmental Problems

An introduction to current problems in the environmental health sciences. five blocks are presented which deal with: (1) community health problems, (2) water quality, (3) air quality, (4) occupational health and safety, and (5) environmental microbiology. A sixth special problem block will deal with current research in environmental problems.

Prerequisites: BIOL 1300 or 2200. A study of the morphological and physiological characteristics of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. General principles of infection, microbial control, and immunity are also discussed.

4

BIOL 3300

Molecular Cell Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 2200, CHEM 1100, and CHEM 1200 or consent of instructor. A thorough study of the eukaryotic cell, emphasizing molecular approaches to understanding cellular structure, organization, and function. Key topics in cell biology of contemporary and biomedical relevance will be covered, including the cell cycle, cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and cellular movement. Instruction will be inquiry-based, with extensive use of informational and instructional technology.

4

BIOL 3400

Ecology

Advanced Standing. An introduction to the study of organisms in natural habitats with emphasis on growth of populations, the chemical role of organisms, energy flow through food chains and the development of ecological systems through geologic time.

3

BIOL 3430

Marine Biology

Prerequisite: Advanced standing. A study of the physical environments of the oceans and the communities of animals, plants, and microorganisms living in salt water. Interactions between organisms, physiological adaptations of organisms, the impact of humans on oceans and their life, and the value of oceans to human life are emphasized.

3

BIOL 4000

Cell Physiology

Prerequisites: BIOL 2200. A study of advanced concepts of cell ultrastructure and form-function together with examination of the strategies that have evolved in cells for carrying out the processes and functions of life, emphasizing the molecular basis of cellular activities and control mechanisms.

4

BIOL 4040

Senior Seminar

Prerequisite: advanced standing. A course designed to teach students how to search the scientific literature and prepare an oral presentation on some current topic of research in biology. Students are required to attend all student presentations during the semester and may be required to attend departmental seminars.

1

BIOL 4100

Inquiries in Developmental Biology

Prerequisite: Junior classification and consent of instructor. An exploration of contemporary research papers about the biology of development, as well as observations and experimentation of living organisms.

3

BIOL 4110

Vertebrate Histology

Prerequisite: Advanced standing. A study of the basic mammalian tissues and their microscopic anatomy. Emphasis is placed on structural relationships between tissues and on the interstitial environment.

3

BIOL 4200

Introduction to Biostatistics

Prerequisites: BIOL 2200, and MATH 1200, or consent of instructor. A practical study of the role of statistics in research; Principles and methods of statistical analysis and interpretation of data as applied to biological problems are covered.

3

BIOL 4300

Vertebrate Physiology

Prerequisite: Advance standing. A study of the physiology of mammalian organ systems and their interrelationships. Emphasis is placed on membrane transport, body fluid chemistry, and hormonal control as related to organ metabolism and function.

3

BIOL 4310

Advanced Human Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisites: BIOL 3100 or BIOL 3200, CHEM 1100, CHEM 1200. A study of the physiology and anatomy of human organ systems with emphasis on the role of molecular and cellular biology in understanding metabolic function, inclusive of transmembrane potentials and receptor dynamics, along with the relationship between form and function.

4

BIOL 4350

Cancer Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 2200 and BIOL 3100 or consent of instructor. A course focusing on the role of cells and genes in the development of cancer in humans. Course coverage will include examination of the role of specific genes such as tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes in the development of cancer, treatments employed against cancer in the context of their specific cellular and molecular targets, and current topics in cancer such as the genetic diagnosis of cancer susceptibility through family and population studies.

3

BIOL 4400

Introduction to Research

Prerequisite: consent of department and staff member under whom the work is to be done. A course designed to give the student an opportunity to undertake the selection and investigation of a limited; well-defined biological research project under the supervision of a member of the regular faculty. Course can be taken over more than one semester but a total of three credits are allowed.

1 to 3

BIOL 4500

Parasitology

Prerequisite: Advanced standing or consent of instructor. A consideration of the fundamental principles governing animal parasites with emphasis on their taxonomy, biochemistry, morphology, development and life cycles, physiology and ecology.

3

BIOL 4510

Field Work in Environmental Studies

Students may arrange to work in any of the following agencies for one semester: (1) municipal waterworks, (2) municipal refuse department, (3) municipal waste water, (4) governmental agencies (EPA, NIEHS, etc), (5) national or regional laboratories, or (6) museums. The student may conduct research in the field or gain on-the-job training for his/her professional development.

3

BIOL 4520

Field Work in Environmental Studies

A continuation of BIOL 4510.

3

BIOL 4550

Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Prerequisites: BIOL 2200. An interdisciplinary course designed for upper level undergraduates and graduate students who have an interest in understanding theory and application of techniques in biochemistry, advanced microscopy, and molecular biology. This course is a hands-on, research level course, which is taught solely in the laboratory. Students will learn how to develop hypothesis driven protocols, conduct experiments, collect data, analyze data, and predict follow-up steps for a given project.

4

BIOL 4610

Selected Topics in Biology

Prerequisite: Advanced standing. Other prerequisites and credit will depend upon the topic. Selected topics that will provide majors opportunities for in-depth exploration of recent and actively developing areas of biology. Current primary literature sources related to the particular topic will form the content base for each offering. Student participation will include written and oral presentations and laboratory when appropriate for the topic.

1 to 3

BIOL 4620

Bioethics

A cross-disciplinary field of science directed toward a deeper understanding of morality, truth, necessity, benefit and harm with respect to human responsibilities in medicine, healthcare, life sciences, and scientific research. The field is broad-based in the sciences with strong ties to ethical, social, spiritual, legal, and political values.

3

BIOL 4630

Seminar in Biotechnology

Prerequisites: BIOL 3100 and 3200. A course designed for students to explore many of the new discoveries in biotechnology through reading of journals, on-line discoveries and through shared expertise of scientists from industrialized settings. Students will be required to attend seminars, summarize them and present a Power Point seminar.

1

BIOL 4650

Eukaryotic Microbiology

Prerequisite: BIOL 2100, 2400 or consent of instructor. A discussion of the eukaryotic microbes of industry and disease in a seminar symposium format. Emphasis is given to the characteristics and ecology of the organisms and to their effect on human welfare as these are described in the current literature.

2

BIOL 4750

Biomedical Botany

Prerequisite: BIOL 2400, CHEM 1300; or consent of instructor. A course designed primarily to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of plant diversity and the relation of plants to human affairs. Students will learn of the many direct and indirect ways that plants affect our lives medically.

3

BIOL 4850

Comparative Animal Physiology

Prerequisite: BIOL 2100, CHEM 3010 or 3100. An in-depth study of functional similarities and differences of genetically dissimilar organisms ranging from animal like protists to chordates.

4

BIOL 4900

Local flora

Prerequisite: BIOL 2400 or consent of instructor. An advanced course in the identification of vascular plants, native and introduced, that occur in this locality. Extensive experience in the use of taxonomic keys is included.

3

BIOL 4910

Undergraduate Honors Seminar

A course designed for honors majors to discuss their research activities and topics of current biomedical interest with faculty and outside biomedical scientists.

1

BIOL 4920

Senior Honors Seminar

A course designed for honors seniors to discuss their research activities, to discuss topics of current biomedical interest, and to interact with faculty and outside biomedical scientists.

2

BIOL 4930

Scientific Writing

A course designed to improve student communication, both written and oral. A variety of topics are covered involving the student in writing and speaking. Among these topics are writing laboratory reports, writing essays and term papers, writing summaries and critiques, writing research proposals, writing letters of application, preparing a paper presentation, and revision. Students are taught the principles of good scientific writing and presentation and are then required to produce laboratory reports, summaries, critiques, a term paper, and a letter of application. They are also tested on the principles of excellent scientific writing.